Dozens of Muslim extremists - many of them masked - had barricaded themselves in the Al Aqsa Mosque since last night, and had actively stockpiled rocks and other projectiles for use against security forces and Jewish visitors. They also set up numerous obstacles to prevent police from closing the mosque's doors - a tactic often used by Israeli police to kettle in Muslim rioters.

As Jewish visiting hours to the holy site began, the Islamists began hurling rocks and other objects at security forces stationed on the Mount.

Police, Border Police and Yasam riot police forces succeeded in driving the rioters into the mosque, enabling both Jewish and other non-Muslim visitors to continue at the site for a short period.

With the end of visiting time for non-Muslims - which had been considerably shortened due to Ramadan - security forces reopened the mosque's doors, and were immediately attacked once again by the rioters. Officers responded using non-lethal riot control methods, and eventually succeeded in quelling the violence.

It marks the second day of Muslim violence on the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism.

On Sunday as well, Muslim rioters attempted to prevent Jews - who are already massively restricted on the site due to Muslim pressure - from visiting. Several Muslim rioters were arrested.

In response, the Israel Police force released a statement saying it would not tolerate any attempts to foment violence at the site.

"Any attempt to disturb the peace in Jerusalem - including the Old City and Temple Mount - will be dealt with resolutely and firmly in order to maintain the status-quo on the Temple Mount and freedom of worship for all religions."

Despite the statement, only Muslims are actually permitted to worship on the Temple Mount, for fear of "provoking" Muslim violence.